Michael J. Scanlon

Michael Joseph Scanlon, 74, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a long battle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Mike was born Jan. 29, 1951, in Franklin, to the late George R. Scanlon and Carolyn "Honey" Scanlon (Kush).

While in high school, Mike took a trip to Canada with his father, Jack MacMillan and Mike Serge to prospect for Uranium. Mike would tell the story that when he was younger, his Mother sent him to catechism, but instead of attending, he often found his way to the home of his close friends, Dennis and Gary Baker. Their mother, always kind and understanding, would offer him a change of clothes so he could spend time playing with his friends. Afterward, he would quickly change back into his church clothes before returning home, keeping this little secret from his family. When Mike was younger, at Christmas, he loved helping his mom serve the holiday chocolate block which was nearly 2 foot by 1 foot, by carefully chopping it up with an ice pick, a fun tradition he always enjoyed.

He was a 1968 graduate of Franklin High School, 1980 graduate of Penn State University and member of Lions Paw at Penn State. Mike had the best years of his life proudly serving in the U.S. Navy from 1974-1978 and on the U.S.S. Dace SSN-607. While aboard the U.S.S. Dace SSN-607, Mike was on a mission which took him across the Artic Circle on September 19, 1976.

Mike was Mr. Fix-It to many around town. He spent many years working for local home-improvement companies and always had his tools ready to help when asked. Mike was a friend to many and was well-known to most of the businesses in Franklin from his daily walks through town stopping to talk to everyone. His daily walks included a trip to Sheetz for his daily coffee and two newspapers, one for himself and one for his neighbor, Gerty. He would make several trips a week to Sanders Market for Turkey Hill Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream and Cherry Coke. He was also a frequent visitor to the beer distributor for his favorite beers, Guinness and Shiner Bock.

Mike enjoyed the simple things in life, especially the animals coming up to his back yard and eating the feed he had tossed out for them. He said that was his version of "TV." He also was an avid reader. Mike also enjoyed genealogy research and was proud to have traced the Scanlon family back to the "Viking Era." One of Mike's most cherished memories was a trip to Ireland, which he took with his best friend, John Mraz, and John's son, Andy. It was a journey that left a lasting impression on him

Mike was supported by his family throughout his life. His brother, Pat, was always there for him, frequently taking him to buy feed for his animals. His sister, Nellie, graciously hosted him during the holidays, ensuring he never felt alone. When Mike was in need of work, his brother Tony hired him at his company, Scanlon Installations Inc. His sister Bridgette helped care for him.

Surviving are his brothers Tony Scanlon (Virginia), Pat Scanlon (Lisa); his sisters Bridgette Grove and Nellie Scanlon (Mark Dinovitz), all of Franklin; his God-daughter and niece Sophie Dinovitz; his nieces and nephew, Angela Woods, Christopher Grove, Stacie Scanlon Morrison, and Rachel Scanlon; many Scanlon cousins; his brothers from the U.S.S. Dace SSN-607, including Ron Magargee, Mark Serra, Tom "T.A." Weeks, Dave "Moon" Mullins, Tom Bishop, Greg "Ski" Borkowski, Jim Garvey, John Rein, Mark "Jojo" Williams; his long time Penn State friends Jim Rodden, John and Kathleen Mraz and his long time childhood friends Dennis Baker and Gary Baker.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Daniel Grove and his U.S.S Dace SSN-607 brother Ray "Big Bird" Bouley and his childhood friends Wally Holden and Russ Davis. 

Mike's family would like to thank the staff at the Collins House for the excellent care given to Mike and his family.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Saturday, March 29th.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Franklin Library at https://oilregionlibraries.org/support-us/, or to any veterans organization of your choice.

To express online condolences to Mike's family, visit huffguthrie.com.